Dental Health: Flossing is Very Important

By Arthur Kezian

Did you know that having good dental care can affect arthritis in the knees? Recent studies have proven that there is a direct correlation between arthritis and the teeth in your mouth. Dr. Kezian knows that this is an issue and wants all of his patients – and those who may read this – to consider the following points.

How Does It Affect Your Knees?

·         The same bacterium that is found in patients who have gum disease are oftentimes found in the knees. This can cause osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

·         Researchers believe that the bacterium travels the blood stream and affects different parts of the body. If a body part has pre-existing inflammation, then the inflammation grows when the bacteria from the mouth presents itself.

What To Do?

·         Having good oral hygiene can make all the difference in your physical body’s affect to sicknesses. Studies have shown that many diseases are related to bad hygiene in the mouth and can include, but are not limited to, diabetes; stroke; and heart disease.

·         If your mouth has the following symptoms of gum disease : ruddy or swollen gums; blood found upon brushing your teeth; bad breath; or gums receding from teeth, you may already have a gum disease and should focus on getting immediate dental care

·         Before your arthritis develops, you should have frequent Dental visits – at least, twice a year, unless otherwise noted – to Dr. Kezian and staff. They know how to take care of you and will provide you with the best care for your teeth.

·         You should also begin to brush your teeth at least twice a day; floss once a day, unless otherwise needed more; and use mouth rinse to cleanse all bacteria from your mouth.

Reversing The Effects:

·         You can reverse the affects of gum disease by adapting a healthy routine of dental care.

·         If you choose to get your teeth cleaned at least twice a year, you will notice a huge difference in your oral hygiene. 

·         Adapting a thorough regimen of brushing, flossing, and rinsing will eliminate all unhealthy bacteria from your gums.

·         If you have good dental care, do not forsake continuing on in your care as your health depends on it.

Visiting The Dentist:

·         If you already have poor gums and teeth; it is not too late to start working on your oral hygiene. Begin by coming to the Dentist and making it a regular experience.

·         When you visit him, ask him all the questions you may have about how to fix the side effects of years of poor hygiene.

·         Listen to him and do not try to argue; he knows what he is talking about. If you do not understand something, ask him to clarify it.

·         Begin to adapt lifestyle changes to help your dental – and over all – care.

·         If started and caught, it is possible to completely ratify the spread of the bacteria found in gum diseases.  You can be completely free from all the health woes that come with improper dental care.

If you have had arthritis pain, it may because of the health of your gums and mouth. Researchers have linked these together as commonly occurring as one. To get rid of the pain, you can begin to adapt a healthy understanding and practice of hygiene in your mouth. Begin to visit your Dentist at least two times a year; brush your teeth twice a day (at least); use floss and mouthwash; and pay attention to any symptom of gum disease that may arise. You can reverse the affects of arthritis and other health-related issues if you adapt good oral hygiene and have good dental care.

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777 

-N.S.

Dental Hygiene: A Brief History

By Arthur Kezian

Every day we use modern dental products such as an electric toothbrush and nylon floss to maintain proper dental hygiene. Thankfully, the dental techniques used in modern day dentistry have come a long way. 

Dentistry is a field that has changed quite a bit throughout history.  Dr. Kezian uses the latest dental techniques to provide excellent dental care.  Let’s examine the history of dental hygiene to see how far we have come.

Origin Of The Toothbrush

Many people want to know the origin of the toothbrush.  The first evidence of a toothbrush was from 3000 BC.  A stick with a frayed end was found among the Egyptian pyramids.  A more widespread early toothbrush was from the Chinese.  Instead of a plastic handle, they used bamboo, a tough plant ubiquitous to China.  They used bristles from the hair of wild boars, especially the tough ones from the back of the neck.  Due to the toughness of boar hair, some people switched to softer horse hair which caused less irritation to the gums.  Nylon, created by DuPont Laboratories, was introduced in 1938.  Shortly thereafter, plastic handles were invented and the modern toothbrush was born.

The Beginnings Of the Toothpaste

Toothpaste goes hand in hand with toothbrushes as a key component of dental hygiene.  Again, the Egyptians were the first to create toothpaste like powder that when combined with saliva cleaned and whitened the teeth.  There was evidence that dental toothpaste was in use since 500 B.C in India and China.  Believe it or not but in the 19^th century, charcoal was popular as a tooth cleaner!  As we moved into the 20^th century, manufacturers replaced powders with pastes like we use today.  Modern toothpaste often contains fluoride and there are varieties specifically designed for sensitive teeth.

Dental Floss

Flossing has been around since the mid 1800s.  In fact, early types of floss were made from silk.  In the 1940s, floss material was switched to nylon because it was smoother and more durable.  Silk often splayed or shredded.  

In the past, poor dental hygiene caused tooth decay and tooth loss for many people.  Many people have called Dr. Charles Bass the “Father of Preventive Dentistry.”  He recognized that good oral hygiene resulting in clean teeth and gums lead to a drop in tooth loss.    The combination of modern toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss and dental treatments give everyone the tools they need for adequate oral and dental health.

As you can see, dentistry has come a long way from bamboo toothbrushes.  Dr. Kezian keeps up with the newest advances and developments in the field so that you the patient receive excellent care.

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777 

-N.S.